Cheese pastries

Cheese Pogăcele – the perfect delight for any occasion

When it comes to savory snacks, cheese pogăcele are an excellent choice, being fluffy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. These little dough jewels are ideal for parties as well as a simple snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee. The origins of pogăcele are shrouded in mystery, but they are known to be appreciated in many cultures for their fine texture and savory taste. So, let's embark on this simple yet extremely delicious recipe together!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 60-70 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 24 pogăcele

Necessary ingredients

- 400 g wheat flour (ideally sifted)
- 150 g cheese (grated on a large grater)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan (for extra flavor)
- 200 ml milk (at room temperature)
- 70 g soft butter (not melted, but at room temperature)
- 1 egg (for the dough) + 1 egg (for brushing)
- 1 packet of dry yeast (approximately 7 g)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Ground (for decoration)

Necessary utensils

- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Glass (for cutting)
- Baking tray
- Baking paper
- Pastry brush

Step by step – Your guide to perfect pogăcele

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the butter is soft so that it easily integrates into the dough. The milk should be at room temperature to activate the yeast.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the salt. This step will not only remove any impurities from the flour but will also aerate the mixture, resulting in a fluffier dough.

3. Add the wet ingredients: In the same bowl, add the grated cheese, Parmesan, and egg. Mix gently. Then, sprinkle the dry yeast and add the soft butter. Mix until combined.

4. Start kneading: Begin kneading the dough, gradually adding the milk. It is essential to add the milk little by little to achieve the ideal consistency. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and easy to shape.

5. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 60-70 minutes. You will know it is ready when it doubles in volume.

6. Shaping the pogăcele: After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and turn the dough out. Roll it out with a rolling pin into a thick sheet, about 1-2 cm thick. Use a glass to cut circles from the dough and place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Gather the leftover dough, roll it out again, and repeat the process until you finish all the dough.

7. Brushing and decorating: Beat an egg until frothy and, using a pastry brush, brush each pogăcel. Sprinkle a few poppy seeds on top for a more appealing look and taste.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to a medium temperature (about 180°C). Place the tray with pogăcele in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until they become golden and fluffy.

9. Cooling and serving: Once baked, remove the pogăcele from the oven and place them in a bowl. Cover them with a towel to keep them soft.

Useful tips

- Cheese variations: If you want to experiment, you can replace the cheese with feta or goat cheese for a stronger taste.
- Spices: Add herbs like oregano or rosemary to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Sweet pogăcele: An interesting variant would be to turn this recipe into sweet pogăcele by adding sugar and vanilla to the dough.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use fresh yeast, but you will need to adjust the quantity: use about 20 g of fresh yeast.

2. How can I store pogăcele?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze them for later use.

3. What drinks pair well with pogăcele?
These pogăcele pair perfectly with white wine or flavored tea. Additionally, a warm soup is an excellent choice to accompany them.

Nutritional benefits

Cheese pogăcele are a source of carbohydrates from flour, proteins from the egg and cheese, and are also rich in healthy fats due to the butter. They can be a good choice for an energizing snack, in moderation, especially if consumed alongside a fresh salad.

Conclusion

These cheese pogăcele are not just a simple recipe but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of joy to your table. By experimenting with ingredients and preparation methods, you can create a multitude of variations that suit your tastes. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!